Woman falls to death from Texas roller coaster Associated PressA woman died Friday in an accident while riding the Texas Giant roller coaster at a Six Flags amusement park. The accident happened just after 6:30 p.m. Friday at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. Park spokeswoman Sharon Parker confirmed that a woman died while riding the coaster at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, but did not specify how she was killed.

Grayslake teenager struck, killed by car in Mundelein
By Russell LissauA Grayslake teenager was struck and killed by a vehicle in Mundelein late Thursday night, authorities said. Alex Blouch, 16, was hit about 11:30 p.m. on Route 45 south of University Drive. He may have been riding a skateboard in the roadway and listening to an MP3 player when he was hit, police said.

Images: The 2013 Kane County Fair
Images from the 2013 Kane County Fair include livestock judging, the talent competition, midway rides and championship rodeo at the fairgrounds in St. Charles.

It's so hot out ... we held a contest By Teresa Schmedding
Everyone complains about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it ... In reality, there's not a lot we can do except complain, and maybe have some fun with it, as a record-setting heat wave hit us this week. We opted for fun over complaining so we held a contest to see which suburbanite could be complete this phrase: “It's so hot out that ...”

Woman extricated from car after Mt. Prospect accident
By Christopher PlacekA dump truck overturned and landed on top of a car whose driver had to be rescued Friday afternoon in Mount Prospect, authorities said. In total, four vehicles were involved in a crash that occurred about 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Algonquin and Busse roads. It was unclear exactly how the crash occurred, but some witnesses at the scene said the truck struck a vehicle in the intersection...

‘Glee’ season delayed by Monteith’s death
Associated PressFox TV says that production will be delayed on its series “Glee” because of the death of star Cory Monteith. In a statement Friday, Fox said the show will go into production in early August. It will begin its new season Sept. 26.

Two bodies found in Downers Grove home
By Christopher PlacekAuthorities are conducting a death investigation after two bodies were found Friday inside a home in Downers Grove. Police found the bodies of a man and woman Friday afternoon when they responded to the home on Park Avenue for a well-being check.

Severe thunderstorms moving through suburbsDaily Herald news servicesThe National Weather Service has let the heat advisory of the last couple of days expire. But just before 7 p.m. a temperature of 92 degrees was still recorded at O’Hare. Relief is expected to be in sight. A cool front is supposed to bring in more comfortable temperatures. Radar shows spots of rain especially in the North suburbs.

State Rep. Harris says Metra chairman should resign; Madigan says investigate me
By Marni PykeState Rep. David Harris of Arlington Heights is calling upon Metra Chairman Brad O’Halloran to resign in the face of a widening smear of corruption at the commuter rail agency. Meanwhile, Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan invited the Legislative Ethics Committee Friday to go ahead and investigate him as the uproar grows over his support of getting a former Metra employee and...

Residents worry if bankruptcy will really help Detroit
Associated PressIn Detroit, it can take police nearly an hour to respond to a 911 call. Despite razing close to 10,000 vacant houses, three times as many still stand with windows smashed and doors ripped off. At night, many streets and even freeways are dangerously shrouded in darkness because tens of thousands of street lights don’t work. This is Detroit.

Elgin deli owner to open East Dundee location
By Elena FerrarinJeff Turner, owner of Elgin’s In the Neighborhood Deli on Edison Avenue in Elgin, as well as In the Neighborhood Fresh inside the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, will be opening a third location in mid-August at 310 N. River St., East Dundee.

Kane County leader steps down from Metra
By Marni PykeAn independent voice on Metra's board is leaving. Former Kane County Chairman Mike McCoy, who cast the lone vote against a fare hike, resigned. The agency faces criticism of a golden parachute for its ex-CEO and allegations of misconduct.

No word on reopening Independence Grove this weekend
By Lee Filas and Mick ZawislakLake County officials remain mum on the status of closed Independence Grove Forest Preserve, raising questions about whether it will reopen this weekend amid the investigation of a “credible” bomb threat. The forest preserve on Route 137 near Libertyville was closed for a third consecutive day Friday. As of 6 p.m., the Lake County Forest Preserve District had made no announcement about opening...

Tech slump holds back stocks
Associated PressMicrosoft led the slump in tech, falling the most in more than four years after the company wrote off nearly $1 billion on its new tablet computer and reported declining revenue for its Windows operating system.

Panama sends ex-CIA officer to U.S., not Italy
Associated PressA fugitive former CIA base chief detained in Panama this week is being sent to the United States instead of Italy, which wanted him to serve prison time in the 2003 abduction of a terror suspect, the Obama administration said Friday.

Physicists unveil results that support standard model
Associated PressThe rare sighting at the European Center for Nuclear Research, known by its French acronym CERN, shows that the so-called standard model of particle physics is “coming through with flying colors,” though it describes only 5 percent of the universe, said Pierluigi Campana, who leads one of the two main teams at CERN involved in the research.

Buffalo Grove has new public works director
Daily Herald reportThe Buffalo Grove Public Works Department has a new executive director. Michael J. Reynolds will join the department Aug. 19 with more than 25 years of combined public works and fire service experience, said Village Manager Dane Bragg.

Jail, probation for driver in May chase from Elgin to Wisconsin
By Harry HitzemanA 22-year-old man who took police on a two-hour chase to Wisconsin in May after a burglary at an Elgin Sam’s Club pleaded guilty Friday and was sentenced to 180 days in jail and three years of probation. Jacob Braden, of Streamwood, also must pay $2,380 in fines and fees after pleading guilty to aggravated battery to a police officer, a felony.

Probation for Bensenville man who stole cemetery vases
By Barbara VitelloFormer cemetary worker Vincent Peterson, 24, pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing 24 bronze vases from graves in the Shalom Memorial Park and Randhill Park cemeteries last month. In exchange for his guilty plea, Cook County Judge Jill Cerone Marisie sentenced the 24-year-old to 24 months probation and 39 days in Cook County Jail.

DuPage Scout leader charged with sex assault
By Christopher PlacekA Boy Scout leader from DuPage County has been charged with sexually assaulting a youth at camp in Wisconsin, authorities said Friday. Jeffrey L. Borneman, 54, of the 22W000 block of Stratford Court in an unincorporated area near Glen Ellyn, was charged this week in Marquette County, Wisconsin with one count of sexual assault of a child under 16.

Woodridge man arrested on gun, drug charges
By Josh StockingerA Woodridge man who fled a traffic stop has been located and charged with possessing cocaine and illegally possessing a handgun, police said. Michael H. Jones, 27, was ordered held on $100,000 bail at a bond court appearance Friday in front of DuPage County Judge Anthony Coco.

Appeals court: Reporter can’t protect source
Associated PressIn a dissenting opinion, Judge Roger L. Gregory wrote that a reporter’s ability to protect sources is key to the sort of free press envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

Judge vacates guilty plea in Schaumburg drug case
By Barbara VitelloA Cook County judge on Friday vacated a Schaumburg man's 2012 guilty plea to drug charges after the man's attorney called into question the credibility of a former Schaumburg undercover officer involved in his arrest. Sean Cerami, 49, is currently staying at a Chicago half-way house, said defense attorney Victor Ciardelli who feels optimistic that prosecutors will dismiss the charges against his...

Kane County Cougars could set attendance record Saturday
By Harry HitzemanThe Kane County Cougars are expected to hit the milestone of their 10 millionth fan Saturday night. The 23-year-old minor league team is the fastest Class A team to hit the milestone and the fifth fastest minor league team overall to reach that mark. The team has all sports of special events and goodies for the lucky fan.

Fox Lake’s Movie by the Lake
Daily Herald reportThe Fox Lake Parks and Recreation department invites all residents to attend the first Movie By the Lake at the Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd. The event is Saturday at dusk and features the movie “Madagascar 3."

Boston mobster pins a string of killings on Bulger
Associated PressJames Bulger, 83, is accused of playing a role in 19 killings.Stephen Flemmi, 79, pleaded guilty in 10 killings and was sentenced to life in prison in a deal with prosecutors that spared him the death penalty for murders in Oklahoma and Florida.

More electric car chargers in Naperville’s future
By Marie WilsonThe electric car charging station that calls a downtown Naperville parking lot home has been used 468 times in the past nine months, officials say. That’s enough for the city to pursue plans to install more charging stations downtown, said Caitlin Marcon, project manager in transportation, engineering and development.

New Schaumburg manager is current St. Charles administrator By Eric Peterson and James Fuller
epeterson@dailyherald.com
St. Charles City Manager Brian Townsend will be the next village manager of Schaumburg, Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson confirmed Friday. Townsend was the assistant village manager of Schaumburg before going to St. Charles in 2005. “I was very impressed with Brian Townsend when he worked for the village of Schaumburg,” Larson said.

State Rep. JoAnn Osmond won't seek re-election in 2014 By Russell Lissau
Veteran Antioch Republican JoAnn Osmond won't seek re-election to the state House in 2014, she confirmed Friday. “It's time for me to move on,” Osmond, 67, told the Daily Herald. “Twelve years is more than enough.” Osmond has served in Springfield since 2002, when she was appointed to replace her late husband, Tim Osmond, in the 61st District.

Former Wheaton man gets 40 years for soliciting murders By Josh Stockinger
Gordon Vanderark will be about 96 years old before he's eligible to get out of prison in a case that began with a DUI and ended with him soliciting the revenge killings of a DuPage County judge and prosecutor. The former Wheaton man was sentenced Friday to a maximum 40 years for the murder-for-hire plot concocted while he served a lengthy prison term for his 10th DUI.

Psych evaluation ordered for former Lombard student
By Josh StockingerA former student accused of planning a mass shooting at Glenbard East High School in Lombard will undergo a psychological evaluation, a judge ruled Friday. Michael Santoro, 19, of Lombard, has pleaded not guilty to felony disorderly conduct.

Obama asks for 'soul searching' after Martin shootingAssociated PressLooking for positive lessons to draw from the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, President Barack Obama said Friday the nation needs to do some “soul-searching,” look for ways to bolster African-American boys and examine state and local laws to see if they encourage confrontations like the one in Florida. “Where do we take this?” Obama wondered aloud in an impromptu...

Wheaton Band Festival returns to its roots with brass, concert bandsBy Justin Kmitch
The Wheaton Band Festival returns to its roots this weekend by rolling out the brass and concert bands. Organizer Gail Sonkin said that this year, festival goers can expect a return to the festival's traditional big band sounds after a brief foray into other band styles in recent years.

Conant grad launches e-business to help African artisans
Submitted by Sonny TaiSonny Tai, a Conant High School grad, has started an e-business to help the jewelry-makers of Kibera, an impoverished Nairobi slum, reach Western markets. "The proceeds ... will allow Kiberan artisans to buy food, send their children to high school, pay rent and, in some cases, obtain antiretroviral HIV medication," he writes.

Ex-Island Lake mayor knew of controversial robocall scriptBy Russell Lissau
Former Island Lake Mayor Debbie Herrmann knew about the preparation of a controversial robocall that went out days before April's election, a Lake County state's attorney's office investigation has revealed. But after three months, investigators have uncovered no criminal wrongdoing connected to the robocall. “(It's) simply wrong,” State's Attorney Mike Nerheim said.

Florida meets with protesters on ‘stand-your-ground’ law
Associated PressProtesters who set up camp in the Florida state Capitol building earlier this week finally got to meet with Gov. Rick Scott late Thursday, and they urged him to push for the repeal of the state’s “stand-your-ground” law and to take steps to combat racial profiling.

Elgin man's book urges lawyers to help the poorBy Harry Hitzeman
Legal Affairs Writer
Bruce Strom walked away from a lucrative career as an attorney and law firm partner to lead Administer Justice, an Elgin-based organization that helps low income residents with legal problems. Strom recently wrote a book, “Gospel Justice,” urging lawyers to give back to their communities and to help the less fortunate. Any proceeds from the book will go to Administer Justice.

Hanover Park officials united against assault weapons banBy Kimberly Pohl
The question over whether Hanover Park would join the handful of communities to ban assault weapons was answered Thursday night with a resounding no.The board voted unanimously against passing an ordinance, a move that prompted more than three dozen opponents in attendance to stand up and applaud. “Thank you for listening to us,” resident Michael Doukas shouted.

Student meal provider gives insight to Grayslake District 46 board
By Bob SusnjaraHealthier and tastier food options are a goal for a company providing breakfast and lunch for students at Grayslake Elementary District 46. School board members received a presentation from Preferred Meal Systems Inc. representatives at a meeting Wednesday night.

Bulger’s ex-partner returns to witness stand
Associated PressStephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi, the once-loyal partner of reputed Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, has returned to the witness stand to testify against Bulger.

A year later, survivors recall Aurora shooting
Associated PressIt is not a small club, the survivors of the shootings at Theater 9. The Century 16 auditorium was packed — 421 men, women and children who had turned out for a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.” When a bizarre figure, helmeted and clad in black, appeared before them in a cloud of smoke, they reacted with confusion and — finally — horror. Twelve people died, 70 were injured, and more...

Colo. gun-rights rally called ‘slap in the face’
Associated PressGun-rights advocates are planning a rally at the same park where a group will read the names of gun violence victims on the anniversary of the Colorado theater shootings, prompting a state lawmaker to call the move “a slap in the face.”

Wildfire still looms over S. Calif. mountain town
Associated PressCalifornia firefighters had made “great progress” by late Thursday night given the tough conditions and terrain, and evacuations were called off for a small handful of the thousands under orders to leave. But the 35-square-mile blaze remained just 15 percent contained and had been growing in an atypical manner. “Usually it cools down at night and we get more humidity. That hasn’t happened,” said...

Photog releases photos of Boston bombing suspect
Associated PressA police photographer, furious with a Rolling Stone cover photo he believes glamorizes the surviving Boston Marathon suspect, released gritty images Thursday from the day he was captured. Photos released to Boston Magazine by Massachusetts State Police tactical photographer Sgt. Sean Murphy show a downcast, disheveled Dzhokhar Tsarnaev with the red dot of a sniper’s rifle laser sight boring into...

Russian opposition leader Navalny released
Associated PressA Russian court Friday freed charismatic opposition leader Alexei Navalny from custody less than 24 hours after he was convicted of embezzlement, a surprise release he attributed to protests over a five-year prison sentence seen by supporters as a blatantly political attempt to silence a Kremlin foe. In an unusual move, prosecutors requested that the Moscow mayoral candidate be let go pending...

Bombing in Sunni mosque in Iraq kills at least 17
Associated PressA bomb exploded inside a Sunni mosque in central Iraq during midday prayers Friday, killing at least 17 people in the latest outburst of deadly violence targeting worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan. Suicide attacks, car bombings and other violence have killed nearly 200 people since the faithful began daytime fasting to mark the Islamic holy month, which started earlier in July.

Fire destroys fireworks store in northern Indiana
Associated PressFlames roared through a northern Indiana fireworks store, shooting off numerous rockets that exploded high in the air. The fire broke out Wednesday night at Windy City Fireworks in Rochester. WSBT-TV and WNDU-TV report that firefighters arrived to find the building fully engulfed in flames and that several fire departments were called to the scene to help extinguish the blaze.

Heat wave almost turns suburban lakes into 'bathwater' By Matt Arado
During heat waves like the one now baking the suburbs, hundreds of people flock to local lakes for a bit of cooling refreshment. But can the water get too hot for comfort? In McHenry County, water temperatures in some lakes have pushed well into the 80s. “It can feel almost like bathwater now,” said Gail Weber, laboratory coordinator for the McHenry County Health Department.

Military court denies Navy appeal in Iraq war case
Associated PressThe military’s highest court has denied a government request to reconsider the overturned murder conviction of a Marine who has served more than half of his 11-year sentence in one of the biggest war crime cases to emerge from the Iraq war. The denial from the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces clears the way for the release of Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins III, of Plymouth, Mass. from the brig at...

Kerry flying to West Bank to pursue peace talks
Associated PressU.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was planning to fly to the West Bank Friday to press his effort to get Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table after almost five years, a U.S. official said, despite deep differences between the two sides and Palestinian reluctance to drop demands in exchange for economic incentives.

Ill. man found dead off Ind.’s Lake Michigan shore
Associated PressHAMMOND, Ind. — Authorities say police divers have found the body of a 50-year-old Blue Island man who went missing in Lake Michigan while boating with friends off the northwestern Indiana shore.The Coast Guard says searchers located Michael Janko late Thursday nearly seven hours after a boater reported he had disappeared while swimming about a quarter mile from a beach in Hammond.

U.S. Sen. Kirk’s bill targets wasteful programs
Associated PressU.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has introduced legislation he says will help eliminate wasteful federal programs. The Illinois Republican, who describes himself as a social moderate and fiscal conservative, says the bill he filed this week would create an independent good government commission.

Chicago commission approves post office project
Associated PressChicago’s old Main Post Office may finally be coming back to life. On Thursday, the city’s Plan Commission approved a redevelopment project for the building. The Chicago Sun-Times reports agents for the British investor behind the project say work could begin as early as September if the City Council approves it.

Chicago Police starts door-to-door visits to fight violence
Associated PressChicago Police are kicking off an experiment in a neighborhood on the city’s West Side, hoping to alert would-be criminals that they’re being watched and face stiff penalties if they’re convicted of crimes. The Chicago Sun-Times reports a commander is set to begin knocking on doors Friday to deliver warning letters to about 20 people who statisticians say are most likely to become shooters or...

New Ill. laws support diabetes research, reporting
Associated PressA pair of new Illinois laws will fund diabetes research and track economic costs of the disease. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the bills Thursday at a conference organized by the University of Chicago Medicine’s Kovler Diabetes Center.

Naperville hosts its first craft beer festival
By Sean HammondJosh Seago thought it would be a great idea for Naperville to host a craft beer festival. But rather than wishing and waiting, he made it happen. The first Naperville Ale Fest pours samples from 88 brewers coming from as close as Naperville and as far as California.

Wheaton playground equipment finds new life in Haiti By Justin Kmitch
Wheaton's old Central Park slide and swings will live another day to thrill children and help them try to touch the sky. But the playground equipment will be a world away in Haiti. For the second time since 2010, Wheaton Park District has partnered with Kids Around the World to rebuild playgrounds in Haiti with its used equipment.

Images: Photo Contest Finalists
Each week you submit your favorite photo. We pick the best of the bunch and select 12 finlaists. Here are the finalists for the week of July 15th.

Sports

Samardzija pitches Cubs past Rockies
Associated PressJeff Samardzija pitched effectively into the eighth inning and Anthony Rizzo doubled home the go-ahead run in the seventh, leading the Cubs past the Colorado Rockies 3-1 Friday night. Alfonso Soriano added a home run, his 17th, and Junior Lake, recalled by Chicago from Triple-A Iowa before the game, had three hits in his major league debut, including a double in his first career at-bat. Darwin Barney drove in an insurance run with a ninth-inning double.

Wild Things bust Boomers in 10 innings
Daily Herald reportThe Schaumburg Boomers opened the second half of the season with just their second extra-inning loss of the season, falling 5-4 to the Washington Wild Things in 10 innings on Friday night in Washington, Penn.

Loons complete sweep of Cougars
Special to the Daily HeraldA rain-shortened 7-inning contest handed the Great Lakes Loons a three-game sweep over the Kane County Cougars with an 8-6 final score on Friday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva.

Same old, same old for White Sox
By Scot GregorJake Peavy came off the disabled list Friday, and the veteran right-hander will start against the Braves Saturday. Another injured Sox pitcher, Jesse Crain, is at least a week away from coming off the DL, but like Peavy, he is a prime trade candidate.

Cubs’ Baker continues to struggle in Kane County
By Bruce MilesIt was another rough go Friday night for Cubs rehabbing pitcher Scott Baker. Starting his second game for the Kane County Cougars, Baker lasted only 2.2 innings, giving up 6 hits and 6 runs. The Cubs are hoping he can be with the big club sometime in August.

Stevenson’s Novoselsky chooses Western Michigan
By Joe AguilarThe inevitable shoulder surgery can wait. And because new Western Michigan University football coach P.J. Fleck understands a tough kid’s tough spot, Zach Novoselsky decided he didn’t need to wait any longer to make a verbal commitment to the Mid-American Conference school. Stevenson’s thick offensive tackle became the second player from his high school team this week to accept a Division I football scholarship. Novoselsky will team with wide receiver/safety Matt Morrissey (Michigan State) this fall to give the Patriots a pair of D-I-bound seniors on the offensive side of the ball. Like Morrissey (son of Jim), Novoselsky’s dad, Brent, played in the NFL, including one season with the Bears.

Cubs in holding pattern with Garza
By Bruce MilesPitcher Matt Garza went about his business as usual Friday as the Cubs opened the unofficial second half of the season in Denver. There were varying reports throughout the day and night about various aspects of a rumored trade that would send Garza to Texas.

Walker tough enough to succeed with Braves
By Scot GregorGreg Walker was the White Sox' hitting coach from May of 2003 through 2011. He always seemed to be feeling the wrath of Sox fans, but Walker is thriving in his new job as the Atlanta Braves' hitting coach.

Sox start second half with a loss
Associated PressBrian McCann hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning to break open a tie game and the Atlanta Braves started the second half of the season with a 6-4 victory Friday over the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Braves starter Tim Hudson (7-7) earned his third straight win after a 10-start winless streak. He pitched 7 1-3 innings, giving up four runs on eight hits while striking out four and walking two. Craig Kimbrell pitched the ninth for his 27th save in 29 outings.

Fun-loving Jimenez leads midway through British Open
Associated PressTiger Woods rolled in a 15-footer for birdie on Muirfield’s tough closing hole Friday, raising his putter toward the blue sky with a flourish, fully aware he was positioned again to break the longest major drought of his career. “It will be a fun weekend,” Wood said. “This golf course is going to be difficult.” He finished with an even-par 71 that looked pretty good under the circumstances.

Blackhawks to open season Oct. 1 against Washington By Mike Spellman
Go ahead and circle October 1. That's not only opening night for the Blackhawks, who will host the Washington Capitols, but it's also the night the Stanley Cup banner will be raised to the United Center roof for the second time in four years. Also new this season, the Blackhawks will meet each Eastern Conference team once at home and once on the road for a total of 32 out-of-conference games. Their first rematch with Boston will be Jan. 19 at home.

Advice to Manziel: Have fun, kid, but take it easyBy Mike NorthJohnny Manziel has a bright and exciting future ahead of him, but Mike North thinks Manziel might want to pull back the reins a bit. Life can lead you astray pretty quick, and at the ripe old age of 20, Manziel can’t afford to miss meetings and commitments.

Urbieta’s big performance powers Plainfield East past Benet
By Kevin SchmitThree of the top four hitters in Plainfield East’s lineup had quite a day on Thursday. Jovany Urbieta had a career. Urbieta’s monster performance powered the Bengals’ baseball team to a 12-6 victory over Benet in the IHSBCA Glenbard South regional final in Glen Ellyn.

Far-flung frontier markets lure more investors
Associated PressBulgaria, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. An itinerary for a traveler with a flair for languages or a list of scenes for a spy thriller set during the Cold War? Neither. It turns out they’re among the countries with the best-performing stock markets in the world this year.

Researchers find no tainted water near fracking site
Bloomberg NewsThe Energy Department’s study, which is still in progress and may be completed and released by the end of the year, is “far too preliminary to make any firm claims,” Shelley Martin, a spokeswoman for the National Energy Technology Laboratory, said today.

Deadly derailment won’t stop oil on trains
Associated PressThis year, more trains carrying crude will chug across North America than ever before — nearly 1,400 carloads a day. In 2009, there were just 31 carloads a day.

It’s a year late, but Butterfield Road work nears end By Justin Kmitch
Motorists won’t be the only ones excited when construction finally ends in the next few weeks near the intersection of Naperville and Butterfield roads in Wheaton. City officials and retailers say the road project, which originally was supposed to take a year and now is approaching two, has been severely detrimental for merchants on Wheaton’s south side.

Grainger opens distribution center in Minooka PRNewswireW.W. Grainger hosted a grand opening to celebrate its new distribution center in Minooka. The 1 million square foot facility serves as the company’s new central stocking distribution center and runs a state-of-the-art automated system. The distribution center helps enable Grainger to deliver products same-day or next-day to its customers nationwide.

Hub Group reports record 2Q earnings
PRNewswireTransportation management company Hub Group reported record income of $18.6 million for the second quarter of 2013, an increase of 10 percent over the same period last year.

Local Pump It Up locations to hold Autism Speaks fundraiser July 24
Submitted by Fishman PR/Pump It UpThe children’s entertainment franchise, Pump It Up, is holding a nationwide “Imagination Celebration” fundraiser Wednesday, July 24, for Autism Speaks. Families who donate to Autism Speaks will participate in the event called the “Great Open Jump.”

A look at the next steps for Detroit Associated PressDetroit became the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy, raising a flurry of questions about what happens next. The city's emergency manager, Kevyn Orr, says the city will be open and bills will be paid. And it can do things like keep police on the streets, firefighters on duty and water running. The question is whether these services will be cut later.

17 honored as CFO of the Year By Richard R. Klicki
Seventeen suburban financial executives were honored Thursday evening for going beyond the ‘bean counter’ image and being an integral part of their business’ success at the second annual CFO of the Year awards presented by the Daily Herald Business Ledger. About 200 people attended the ceremony at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Wrigley renovation plan clears another hurdle Associated PressThe Chicago Cubs' planned $500 million renovation of Wrigley Field has won the approval of another city commission and the support of the local alderman — all but assuring the project will go forward. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday approved the proposal to renovate Wrigley and develop nearby property.

Immigration backers plan push for reform Associated PressBackers of comprehensive immigration legislation are gearing up for a campaign to push the House to act, even as some begin openly voicing fears they're already losing the fight. Congress' monthlong August recess could be crucial and supporters aim to exert influence in dozens of congressional districts home to Republican House members seen as open to reform.

Senators ready to restore lower college loan rates Associated PressA bipartisan compromise on student loans promises better deals for students and parents over the next few years but could spell higher rates as the economy improves. The Senate deal pegs the interest rates on new loans to the financial markets and was expected to come to a vote next week, well before students returning to campus this fall have to sign their loan agreements.

U.S. Senate committee OKs Thomson prison funding Associated PressA U.S. Senate committee has approved funding to re-open the prison in Thomson as a federal facility. Sen. Dick Durbin is a member of the Appropriations Committee that approved $166 million Thursday to reactivate Thomson and two other prisons, buy 1,000 prison beds from private contractors and expand a program to reduce recidivism.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines to hire 300 pilots
Associated PressDelta Air Lines officials say the company will hire 300 pilots starting in November.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the development marks the first pilot hiring since 2010 for the Atlanta-based airline.

Japan Airlines Dreamliner safely returns to Boston
BOSTON — A Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo’s Narita Airport has returned safely to Boston’s Logan Airport because of a possible fuel pump issue on the Boeing 787 aircraft.It’s the latest woe for the new Dreamliner aircraft after a lithium ion battery problem grounded the fleet in January and a fire on an Ethiopian Airlines plane last week.Japan Airlines spokeswoman Carol Anderson says Flight 007 returned Thursday as a precautionary measure to check out a maintenance message indicator showing the possible fuel pump problem. Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Arlene Salac says the pilot didn’t declare an emergency and the aircraft burned off fuel before landing. The plane left for Tokyo about 1 p.m. Thursday for a 14-hour flight. It returned about 6 p.m. Boeing Co. is based in Chicago. The 787 is assembled in Washington and South Carolina.

New law penalizes homeowners claiming extra breaks
Those in Illinois’ largest county who knowingly or unwittingly claim undeserved homeowner exemptions will be penalized for the first time under a new law. Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios’ office — which has for years pushed for a change in the law — expects the move will help recoup a significant portion of the estimated $65 million it loses each year from residents taking exemptions to which they are not entitled. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the legislation this week. It goes into effect immediately.

Life & Entertainment

‘R.I.P.D’ kills off comic potential By Stephanie Merry
“R.I.P.D.” sounded sort of promising. Think of it as “Ghost” meets “Men in Black,” this tale of a recently-deceased cop recruited to the Rest in Peace Department and partnered with a Wild West lawman. The mismatched pair is tasked with capturing rotting spirits who roam the earth, but the comic book-based “R.I.P.D.” is a dud that squanders a decent cast and succeeds neither as the comedy nor the action film it purports to be.

Much-anticipated Metallica Day begins at Comic-Con
Associated PressIt’s Metallica Day at Comic-Con and the wide world of geeks is opening its arms to the band. The four members of the California-based heavy metal band are on site Friday at the San Diego Convention Center to promote their new concert film-plus “Metallica Through The Never” and share footage with fans. Though Metallica’s followers might come from another cultural subgroup, drummer Lars Ulrich said he could identify with the tens of thousands of fans roaming the halls.

Magazine fights child obesity 1 recipe at a time By Michele Kayal
The concept of ChopChop is straightforward: the magazine portrays real children eating real food that they can cook themselves with little or no help from an adult. The recipes are nutritious, ethnically diverse and inexpensive.

Starlets in ‘Teen Beach Movie’ big on ’60s fashion
Associated PressThe young stars of Disney Channel’s new “Teen Beach Movie” enjoyed putting on the `60s two-piece bikinis a la Annette Funicello so much they wanted to keep them. They also swooned over cheerful prints and crushed on high-waist shorts. The new movie is just in time for the important back-to-school season.

Company plans people to people Cuba trip by ship
Associated PressA U.S.-based tour company has announced the launch of new people-to-people trips to Cuba that would transport U.S. citizens there by ship. Road Scholar, a Boston-based company, is offering the trips from Jamaica and Miami, with stops in Havana and other parts of Cuba.

First-time buyer didn’t read the inspection report
By Barry StoneQ. In the excitement of buying my first home, I never even read the home inspection report. Instead, I trusted my agent’s opinion that there were no major problems. Big mistake! Now I’ve got a leaky roof that was clearly disclosed by my home inspector. Do I have any recourse?

Keep your wood floors looking beautiful
By Al and Kelly CarrellWood floors are beautiful. Some are better than others at resisting stains and moisture. But all of these floor types need to be cleaned often. Here are the basics for keeping each type of floor clean without a lot of hassle.

Where to go to keep the Lolla buzz alive By Brian Shamie
Lollapalooza aftershows are a great way to catch a band you might not know or to solve those pesky timeslot conflicts that arise when two bands you want to see are playing at the same time. We offer a few picks to help you make choices about your weekend at Lolla.

Join our Cook of the Week Challenge
By Deborah PankeyThe Daily Herald is look for 16 home cooks to take part in our third annual Cook of the Week Challenge. The contest asks cooks to develop recipes using mystery basket ingredients (nothing like cow tongue or dried seaweed flakes) and common pantry items. The deadline to enter is July 24.

Local theater: New cabaret show Libertyville's Improv Playhouse presents a cabaret show; redtwist theatre premieres a dark family drama about a potentially dangerous son and Theo Ubique's long-running "Smokey Joe's Cafe" closes, this week in Chicago area theater.

Music notes: JT, Jay-Z hit Soldier Field Monday By Matt AradoPop titans Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake get set to take over Soldier Field on Monday while Sheryl Crow plays Ravinia in Highland Park Friday and Shadows Fall stops at Penny Road Pub in Barrington on Saturday.

Chris Isaak muses on music, his mirror suit and more By Riley Simpson
Chris Isaak will rock the Arcada Theatre Friday with his signature soulful songs and his knack for theatricality. "I love to sing," he said in an interview, "but I also love to give the audience a show, so we dress up like it's Liberace's birthday."

Theater events LiveWire hosts its fifth annual short play showcase, Goodman Theatre presents readings of in-development works by members of its playwrights unit and On The Spot presents the world premiere of "How to Make a Rainbow" this week in Chicago area theater.

Naperville’s Wise Boxer pairs American fare with craft beersBy Samantha Nelson
New owners took over BlackFinn American Saloon’s former space in Naperville at the end of May. While the look is still the same, The Wise Boxer Pour House is offering an entirely new menu of American fare with a gourmet flair, paired with a menu of craft beers meant to make the place more of a dining destination than purely a late-night hangout.

A 1990s reverse mortgage is today’s nightmare
By Ken HarneyCall it the estate-devouring, nightmare home loan you hope to never encounter: A reverse mortgage with a base interest rate of 9.95 percent, plus a 50 percent share for the lender of increases in value of the house following closing, plus another 2 percent “maturity fee” to sweeten the payout even more.

Wheeling’s Ridgefield featured in neighborhood profile
By Sherry GiewaldThirty years ago, Jackie Kirchner’s mother saw a newspaper advertisement about a new subdivision in Wheeling and told her daughter about it. Living in a condo at the time with two children, the couple wanted to buy a new home, and Ridgefield piqued their interest.

Ban on ‘assault weapons’ no safety measure
An Ivanhoe letter to the editor: I submit that “assault weapons” are benign absent an abuser who otherwise would murder with another at-hand inanimate object. The only assault present is on our intelligence and freedom by newspaper editors beholden to misguided or evil people who would affect civilian disarmament.

Jane Fonda still no friend to veterans
A Lincolnshire letter to the editor: I am a Vietnam veteran. “The Newsroom” series may be a good show, but I and many Vietnam veterans like me will never watch the series, the reason being that Jane Fonda stars in it. Since my tours in Vietnam in 1969 and ’70, I have not watched anything with Jane Fonda in it. Any movie with her in it was banned on base.

Texas abortion laws will only hurt women
A Palatine letter to the editor: Texas Gov. Rick Perry praised his fellow Texans for standing up to “preserve the sanctity of human life and protect women’s health.” If this were so, the law would address the unconscionable fact that our nation’s infant mortality rate is among the worst in the world, despite our incredible wealth.

Abortion as birth control is immoral
A Schaumburg letter to the editor: There are so many forms of birth control out there, so why aren’t men and women using them if they don’t want a pregnancy? Are they just selfish and immature?

Double standard by corporate America?
A West Chicago letter to the editor: My question is for “corporate America” to answer. Why is it that the group that is first to scream about the “N” word when used by white Americans a an act of racism, but see no harm in using this term among themselves and fail to feel it is a racist action to jokingly or otherwise, refer to white people as “crackers” or “honkeys”?

Pay attention to
detail, retailers
Pay attention to detail, retailersOn the cover of the July 17 Business section is a photograph of prices in what looks to be the produce section of a supermarket. The price reads: .32˘ LB. Unless the store is charging slightly less than 1/3 of one cent per pound the price screams to be written correctly. It can be written $0.32/LB or 32˘/LB.This mistake is made everywhere at retailers large and small. In fact, there are two in Glen Ellyn I could name here but I’ll spare them the embarrassment and loss of revenue should someone insist on paying what their own sign says they are charging. As a math teacher for nearly 25 years I do my best to teach students (and my own children) to pay attention to detail, mean what you say and say what you mean.Janet HubbardGlen Ellyn

Could Americans be this gullible?
A West Dundee letter to the editor: After watching Senators claim that their immigration bill will fix our broken immigration system, I conclude most members of Congress must believe that the average American is gullible and stupid.

Some think gays are going overboard
An Elgin letter to the editor: Masha Gessen, outspoken author and activist for LGBT community gave us the reason we should deny them marriage as we know it. She said, Gay marriage is a lie. Fighting for gay marriage generally involves lying about what we’re going to do with marriage when we get there.

Gotcha going in, gotcha going out
A Carol Stream letter to the editor: I have to agree with the couple who wrote July 15 about being embarrassed to live in Illinois. With all the scandal and money issues to only take it out on us to bail the state out.

Let FDA solve gun violence problem
A Huntley letter to the editor: We all know that the Federal Drug Administration watches out for our health. They ensure that products on the market are safe. They work hard to be sure that products sold in this country will not harm us.